Rights9/22/2026

Katz Signs Emergency Regulations to Protect People with Disabilities

Defense Minister Israel Katz signed regulations establishing the state's responsibility toward people with disabilities during emergencies. Final approval was granted about two months after the regulations were approved by the Knesset Welfare Committee.

Key facts

•Signed by: Defense Minister Israel Katz
•Knesset committee approval: about two months before the signing
•Parliamentary approval of the regulations: July
•Wait for implementation of the commitment: 20 years
•No monetary sums were specified in the source

What Happened

The Defense Ministry regulations concerning the essential needs of people with disabilities were approved by the Knesset in July—20 years after parliament made a commitment on the matter. The minister's signature was delayed due to a dispute over the source of funding. After an agreement was reached regarding budgetary responsibility, the regulations received final approval.

What Obligations Were Established

New protective facilities installed in public places must be accessible to people with disabilities. The state is also required to provide them with information and instructions in an accessible manner, on an equal basis with the general population. In addition, the regulations govern the provision of water, food and medication during emergencies.

Who Will Support People in the Community

One of the disputed issues was funding for community assistants, who are expected to contact people with disabilities and senior citizens during emergencies. Ultimately, the role was assigned to National-Civic Service volunteers. Their training will be organized according to a program jointly developed by the National-Civic Service Authority, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Defense and the Federation of Local Authorities.

Why the Regulations Were Necessary

According to the source, tens of thousands of people with disabilities who lack access to a protected space were left without a solution for years and sometimes did not know which municipal department to contact for assistance. Following the latest rounds of fighting, public demand grew to clearly define the state's responsibility toward people with disabilities and senior citizens who remain at home without adequate protection.

What this means for you

During emergencies, people with disabilities are expected to receive accessible alerts and instructions, as well as supplies of water, food and medication as stipulated in the regulations. New public protective facilities must be accessible, and volunteers who have undergone specialized training are expected to maintain contact with people with disabilities and senior citizens. The source does not specify the timetable for the practical implementation of all these mechanisms.

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